Hey guys! First post here! I am from Canada and bought a 1992 Camaro that hasn't been driven since 2005. While working on my drum brakes (driver's side) I noticed a relatively loud clunk when I turn (rotate clockwise or counter clockwise) the wheel by hand. It seems it's coming from the differential. I am no master mechanic and my manual in on it's way. Meanwhile what do you guys think the culprit might be? Bad wheel bearing, bad shaft, worn differential? I will try to post a video. I searched for something similar but could not find it. Sorry. And thanks! This forum is super cool!

 

Here's the video:


Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

A little bit is normal.

This reminds me of when I was in H.S., a buddy built himself a nice little street machine out of a '74 Chevelle. After much fun, it developed a similar sound. Upon inspection in auto class, we found the culprit. The pinion shaft (not gear) that passes through both sides of the case, and holds the pinions gears / spider gears in place....the perfectly round holes in the case where now slots, and the clunk was the pinion traveling / banging from one end of the slot to another. It's one possibility anyway.

You'll know for sure when the cover comes off the axle assembly.

Another possibility...


And yes, this is OLD. But so am I. We watched many a video like this back in school. But it will give you some of the basics to look for.

 

Thanks for the great reply! I will open the differential soon and inspect. Will check the spider gears as well. I just don't want to throw parts at this issue. Great videos by the way! Thanks for sharing!

 

Drop the driveshaft to isolate further.
If the noise is still coming from the rear, then remove each axle 1 at a time and try it again. Keep isolating until you know exactly where the noise is coming from. This might keep you from unnecessarily taking your rear apart for no reason.

 

Looks normal.

Focus on what is needed, drive it, and worry about if, and when, you need to.